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Virgin Coconut Oil as Medicine

Use Coconut Oil for Healthier Brain

The human brain just like any other part of the body needs continuous nourishment to function well. The brain cells need special care because its number diminishes as one ages. When the brain cells starts to die, one may experience the following symptoms: headache, fatigue and brain fog. In the long run, the death of brain cells causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. The good news is that a new study says that coconut oil can help maintain an active mind and a sharp memory. According to the new study, coconut oil can supply the brain with the energy it needs thus preventing neurodegenerative conditions.

In many diseases that are associated with the loss of brain cells such as Alzheimer’s disease, the neurons in some areas of the brain start to resist insulin. Insulin is important in brain functioning because it is the hormone that transports glucose to the brain cells. Glucose is used by the brain for energy. When neurons start to reject insulin, brain cells starts to die.

Another factor that contributes to massive brain death is high blood sugar because it causes protein molecules to produce advanced glycolytic enzymes (AGEs). The said enzymes increases oxidative stress levels in the body and damages neuronal tissue.

How Can Coconut Oil Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases

Coconut oil is beneficial to the brain because it is the best source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) aside from breast milk. Unlike the long chain triglycerides which depends on bile salts from the gallbladder before it can be processed in the digestive system, the MCT’s do not need bile salts anymore. The MCT’s go straight to the liver where it is converted into ketones. The ketones are then released by the liver to the bloodstream and immediately transported to the brain.

The study shows that the ketones generated by MCTs supply a steady source of energy for the brain when one experiences low blood sugar without the neurological risks linked with high blood sugar.

For this reason, ketones can provide essential brain food to people afflicted with diabetes or other neurodegenerative condition such as Parkinsons, Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis.

One of experts in this MCT research is Dr. Mary Newport. Her studies show that ketones help the brain cope from lack of oxygen which causes death of brain cells. People who suffer from heart attack can recover faster with the help of ketones and can effectively minimize cancerous tumors.

To benefit from all the benefits of coconut oil, a normal-sized adult should maintain a coconut-rich diet. One is advised to consume 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil a day.

One can take coconut oil as it is or it can be added to food and drinks. Coconut oil can also be applied on skin or one can eat coconut meat or flakes. One can also drink coconut water and coconut milk. People suffering from neurological diseases and diabetes are advised to take 8-10 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.